Learn More about TMJ

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a hinge joint that connects the jawbone to the skull. TMJ disorders cause difficulty and discomfort while chewing. It may also cause clicking, popping or grating sound while opening and closing your mouth and a dull ache in the face. You may also experience ear ache, headache or jaw pain or symptoms such as difficulty in opening and closing your mouth or locking of the jaw in position. Although the exact cause for TMJ disorders is not known yet the most common cause is an injury to the TMJ joint or muscles of the head and neck. Grinding your teeth, arthritis, dislocation of the disc between the ball and socket joint or stress which causes clenching of the jaw could also cause TMJ disorders. Treatment options include using medications like pain relievers or antidepressants to therapies like wearing an oral splint or using surgical methods.